J Street News Roundup 4/18/2014

April 18th, 2014

J Street works to promote an open, honest and rigorous conversation about Israel. The opinions reflected in articles posted in the News Roundup do not necessarily reflect J Street's positions, and their posting does not constitute an endorsement from J Street.

The Israel Committee at Congregation Beth El in Berkeley has planned a four-part speakers series on the topic of Middle East peace. “Is Peace Possible?” will kick off Thursday, April 24 with J Street regional director (and Beth El member) Gordon Gladstone speaking on the topic of borders between Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Israeli and Palestinian negotiators are to meet separately today with US envoy Martin Indyk, after yesterday’s five-hour trilateral meeting. The talks to extend negotiations past the April 29 deadline were described as “very difficult.” They are expected to convene again next week after the Passover holiday.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has reportedly lost a majority in his cabinet for approving the deal to extend peace talks. Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch of Yisrael Beiteinu announced that he opposes extending negotiations if President Abbas does not publicly condemn Monday’s killing of an Israeli police officer in Hebron. Multiple Likud ministers are also said to be wavering over the deal. A group of Likud mayors in the West Bank have urged them to them to oppose an agreement.

The United States said that it has released the latest tranche of $450 million to Iran based on verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency this week that Iran is complying with the terms of a six month interim nuclear deal.

Ten Palestinians were lightly injured on Thursday in Hebron by Israeli security forces during demonstrations to mark Palestinian Prisoners Day. Several dozen Palestinians gathered near an Israel Defense Forces roadblock in the city and threw stones at soldiers, who returned fire: first with tear gas and stun grenades, and then with rubber-coated bullets and bullets fired from .22 caliber rifles.

Over the last decade, scores of cheap apartment buildings have sprung up in several Palestinian neighborhoods like Ras Khamis, lying just within the Jerusalem city limits but isolated by the barrier that Israel has built along or through parts of the West Bank with the stated purpose of keeping out suicide bombers. The buildings went up without planning permission, safety regulations or proper infrastructure. Neglected by City Hall and the Israeli government, there are no regular municipal services or policing. Yet the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited control in parts of the West Bank, cannot operate in Ras Khamis because Israel considers itself sovereign in all parts of its capital.

Rabbi Michael Cohen writes, “The stated ‘core issues’ are important and necessary for reaching an agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians, but there are other vital cultural, psychological and emotional dynamics percolating below the surface that would be wise to finally address.”

Make a Donation

See Our Endorsees

See Our Endorsees

Legal Disclaimers

J Street is a 501(c)(4) organization that primarily focuses on nonpartisan education and advocacy on important national issues. Email J Street at info [at] jstreet [dot] org or write us at PO Box 66073 Washington, DC 20035

JStreetPAC is a federal political action committee that primarily helps members elect candidates who reflect our values through a variety of activities aimed at influencing the outcome of the next election. Email JStreetPAC at info [at] jstreetpac [dot] org or write us at PO Box 33106 Washington, DC 20033

Paid for by J Street, http://jstreet.org. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Stand with J Street and say: With this speech, at this time, PM Netanyahu doesn't speak for me.